K-12 (2019)
Kernel Score: 87% · 284 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Fantasy, Horror
Released: 2019-09-05
Runtime: 92 minutes
Where to watch K-12
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Cry Baby, a strong and sensitive girl, is sent off to a disturbing sleepaway school that’s hidden underneath a grandiose façade. Luckily, she has a sweet and unapologetic best friend who sticks up for her when she gets bullied by the other students whose brains are under control by the Principal and his wicked staff. With the help of the magical friends they meet along the way, as well as an Angelic Spirit Guide, they are able to gain the strength they need to fight off the school’s belligerent patriarchal conditioning.
K-12 parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that K-12 (2019) is an R-rated musical horror fantasy in which a girl at a sinister boarding school fights brainwashing and 'patriarchal conditioning' by the school's staff.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes gothic horror imagery, bullying, and brainwashing depicted through an extended musical-video format.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like K-12
If you liked K-12, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Ginger Snaps (2000) — 76%
- A Little Princess (1995) — 87%
- Begotten (1991) — 55%
- The Bride! (2026) — 60%
- 20th Century Women (2016) — 84%
- Suffragette (2015) — 80%
- Barbie and the Diamond Castle (2008) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Melanie Martinez as Cry Baby
- Elita Harkov as Angelita
- Megan Gage as Celeste
- Maggie Budzyna as Kelly
- Zión Moreno as Fleur
- Marsalis Wilson as Ben
- Zinnett Hendrix as Magnolia
- Adrian Jurics as Blue Boy #1
- Gergely Kiss as Blue Boy #2
- Natalia Toth as Lucy
K-12 FAQ
Is K-12 good?
K-12 has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 284 audience ratings.
Where can I watch K-12?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is K-12 OK for kids?
K-12 is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that K-12 (2019) is an R-rated musical horror fantasy in which a girl at a sinister boarding school fights brainwashing and 'patriarchal conditioning' by the school's staff.
What movies are like K-12?
If you liked K-12, try Ginger Snaps, A Little Princess, Begotten and The Bride!.